The Skoda Superb Estate has taken the Best Large Estate category in the Sunday Times Top 100 cars list.

• Superb Estate named Best Large Estate in The Sunday Times Top 100 Cars list
• Space, practicality and value highlighted as unbeatable qualities
• Fabia, Citigo and Octavia Estate also highly recommended by judging team
• Latest title adds to growing list of industry accolades for new Superb

The ŠKODA Superb has welcomed in the new year with yet another accolade from the motoring press. The Sunday Times has named the Superb Estate as the Best Large Estate car on the market as part of its annual Top 100 Cars special.

Seeing off considerably more expensive competition to take the top spot, the Superb impressed the judging panel with its elegant design, sector-best practicality and incredible value for money. 

Comprising writers and reviewers from The Sunday Times Driving supplement and website, the judging team chose the 2.0 TDI 150PS SE L Executive as its pick of the range.

ŠKODA also performed strongly in other categories in the supplement, with top three recommendations for Fabia and Octavia Estate in the Supermini and Mid-size Estate sectors plus a top five finish for Citigo in the City Car sector.

Commenting on the Superb’s win, The Sunday Times judging panel said: “If you want maximum carrying capacity for minimum cash, this is where you need to be looking. If your priority is a huge boot, the Superb will also appeal, as it can stow the same amount of baggage as the Mercedes E-Class – a hefty 1,950 litres.”

Focusing on the Superb’s value for money, the judges added: “Prices for this ŠKODA start at less than  £20,000. You can upgrade to a version with more toys and muscle by spending a little more than £25,000, but that’s still small beer for something so capable.”

Duncan Movassaghi, Brand Director for ŠKODA UK said: “We’re delighted that The Sunday Times has recognised the Superb Estate for its incredible all-round ability. It’s a very special car that embodies everything we strive for at ŠKODA – powerful design, unbeatable practicality and great value.”

The new Superb was launched in the UK last September, and has already collected a number of high-profile industry awards. These include Auto Express Family Car of the Year, Scottish Estate Car of the Year andCarBuyer Best Estate Car 2015. Prices for the Superb Hatch start at £18,640, while the Estate range starts from £19,840.

The new Mazda3 Hatchback and Fastback now comes with the 105PS 1.5 Litre Skyactiv-D powerplant.

• Mazda3 line-up enhanced with addition of 105ps 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel engine.
• Refined, smooth and punchy SKYACTIV-D 1.5 available with hatchback and Fastback models.
• Delivers CO₂ emissions from just 99g/km and combined economy of 74.3mpg.
• Available in SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav and Sport Nav trim from £18,895 on-the-road.  

Mazda has added its smooth, frugal and clean 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel engine to the Mazda3. Having made its debut in the all-new Mazda2 and all-new Mazda CX-3, the 105ps SKYACTIV-D will boost the Mazda3 model line-up with frugal economy and sub-100g/km CO₂ emissions.

Designed to appeal to both fleet and private buyers, when matched to the six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission, the 105ps SKYACTIV-D emits just 99g/km with a combined economy of 74.3mpg.  

Available in hatchback and Fastback body styles, the new 1.5 SKYACTIV-D is offered across all trim levels with prices starting at just £18,895 on-the-road, while ensuring even more customer choice, the hatchback version of the SKYACTIV-D 1.5 can be specified with a six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission.

In a UK marketplace that now sees 42 per cent of C-segment diesel sales delivering sub 100g/km CO₂emissions, Mazda’s SKYACTIV-D 1.5 will ensure the Mazda3 is now a strong contender in this competitive area of the family hatch market. With 270Nm of torque and 0-62mph performance of 11.0 seconds*, the Mazda3 SKYACTIV-D 1.5 delivers the no compromise blend of performance, refinement and efficiency demanded by customers in this sector.

Developed with same Defy Convention approach as Mazda’s larger SKYACTIV-D 2.2, the smaller capacity diesel features an exceptionally low 14.8:1 compression ratio that sets new standards of efficiency and performance. 

When the compression ratio is lowered, compression temperature and pressure at top dead centre decrease. Consequently, ignition takes longer even when fuel is injected near top dead centre, enabling better mixture of air and fuel.

The advanced engine features high-dispersion solenoid fuel injectors to suppress cooling losses and provide the optimum injection pattern for the given driving conditions. 

This improves both combustion efficiency and engine refinement levels. In addition, the combustion chamber features a unique ‘shouldered’ design to suppress flow around the lip of the chamber and prevent combustion gas cooling.

As you’d expect, the engine comes as standard with Mazda’s i-stop idle-stop system, which delivers the world’s fastest restarts on a diesel engine.  

With a single variable turbine geometry turbocharger that delivers boost from low engine speeds and uses a rotation speed sensor to maintain output through to higher revs, the Mazda3 SKYACTIV-D 1.5 delivers excellent flexibility at cruising speeds and strong in-gear response. 

With peak torque of 270Nm available between 1,600 and 2,500rpm, the high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system is supplemented by a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system to further enhance engine response, while the water-cooled intercooler is integrated into the engine’s lightweight manifold.

Steve Tomlinson, Head of Fleet Mazda UK: “Putting the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D into the Mazda3 will significantly increase the appeal of the Mazda3 to those fleets who prefer their drivers to run vehicles with a sub 2.0-litre engine, and with CO₂ emissions from 99g/km this will also make the car more popular with drivers who place low BIK taxation near the top of their consideration criteria.   

“I am confident that the addition of the Mazda3 1.5-litre diesel derivative to Mazda’s already extensive corporate vehicle choice list will enhance our fleet appeal even further when the car goes on sale on the 1^stDecember.”

*manual gearbox

Mazda now makes it easier and cheaper for disabled customers to get a Mazda product with cheaper deals.

• Mazda6, Mazda3 and the all-new Mazda2 all available to Motability customers.
• All-new Mazda2 90ps SE-L now costs less than a customer’s total Disability Living Allowance.
• Full details of the Mazda Motability programme at www.mazda.co.uk

Mazda is giving its Motability customers an extra boost this winter with nil advance payment available on selected all-new Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6 Nav models and enhanced offers on all-new Mazda2 90ps SE-L Nav Auto and Sport Nav, plus Mazda3 120ps Sport Nav Auto models until 31 December.

The latest offers also deliver the first Mazda Motability vehicle that costs less than a customer’s total Disability Living Allowance (DLA). So, by choosing the all-new Mazda2 90ps SE-L Nav, customers will have no up-front costs and, for the period of three years ownership, will retain a small amount of DLA rather than surrendering the full amount.

All-new Mazda2 models available on the Mazda Motability scheme include the 90ps SE-L Nav, SE-L Nav Auto, Sport Navand Sport Nav Auto. 

Efficient, yet fun and agile, the latest Mazda 2 offer sees Mazda customers benefit from all-new Mazda2 90ps SE-L Nav with nil advanced payment. 

While customers opting for the highly specified all-new Mazda2 90ps Sport Nav pay £399, a saving of £100 until 31 December on advance payments.

With an impressive combination of efficiency, driving fun and performance, the larger Mazda3 120ps SE Nav is offered with zero advance payments. 

Customers opting for the top-of-the-range Sport Nav Auto can now save £200 until 31 December on the advanced payment – meaning the fully-equipped family car is available with just £599 payment in advance.  

Even better, the stylish and refined Mazda6 is available in a choice of nine models, with the entry-level Mazda6 Saloon 145ps SE Nav available with nil advance payment. 

Steve Tomlinson, Head of Fleet Sales Mazda UK, “Our comprehensive Motability programme offers drivers a versatile choice ofvehicles across the Mazda range. 

We’ve enhanced the offers on some of our most popular Motability cars, so we’re confident that our customers will find a practical, affordable option that meets their needs.” 

MazdaMotability customers benefit from Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology, which delivers low fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions - attributes that keep running costs to an absolute minimum - whilst maintaining the fun-to-drive DNA that Mazda is renowned for.

Mazda’s Motability models make life easier for Motability customers with their 6-speed automatic transmissions across all-new Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6. Customers choosing the all‑new Mazda2 will appreciate its compact size, and with standard rear parking sensors Sport and Sport Nav models are even easier to park. 

Mazda’s supermini also benefits from Smart City Brake Support*. Mazda3 adds a large boot with 60:40 split seats, which enhances flexibility even further, it also features Smart City Brake Support across the range. 

The Mazda6 Sport Nav comes with memory function on the driver’s seat, making it easy to find the perfect driving position. 

* Not available on all-new Mazda2 75ps SE and SE-L models

** Available in conjunction with leather seat trim, standard on 165ps Sport Nav model only, and option on all other Sport Nav models at an additional cost.

IRELAND - Mazda takes two awards at this years UMWA, Car Of The Year Awards with teh Mazda 2 and 6 Tourer.

• The all-new Mazda2 named Best Supermini by the Ulster Motoring Writers Association.
• The Mazda6 Tourer takes the sought-after Best Executive Car award.
• Mazda’s fully SKYACTIV range available from five dealers across Northern Ireland.

With awards for both the all-new Mazda2 and the Mazda6 Tourer, Mazda has been honoured twice by the Ulster Motoring Writers Association at the annual Northern Ireland Car of the Year Awards.

In a year that has seen the debut of three all-new models, plus substantially revised versions of the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda6, Mazda’s line-up is now one of the youngest in the industry.

Launched in March, the all-new Mazda2 is priced from £11,995 to £17,395 on-the-road (OTR) with a five level grade structure – SE, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav. Bringing new levels of technical sophistication, driving pleasure and active safety to the B-Segment, attractive finance offers ensure the all-new Mazda2 is also a great value proposition in the ultra-competitive supermini marketplace. Since the 1^st September, the range has been boosted by the all-new Mazda2 Sport Black special edition, which offers extra standard equipment and enhanced personalisation in a stylish and great value package.

Recognising the all-round appeal of the all-new Mazda2, leading Northern Irish motoring writer Jim McCauley commented: “The Mazda2 triumphed in the hotly contested Supermini category by providing increased passenger accommodation, and in the case of the featured car, its delightfully willing 90PS petrol engine.”

The judging panel also handed the coveted Best Executive Car title to the Mazda6 Tourer, “fighting off stiff competition from the prestige German marques, the Mazda6 was lauded as an exceptionally fine driving car with a powerful yet economical diesel engine, well balanced suspension and excellent steering response. Overall styling, load carrying capacity and quality finish clinched the decision,” commented the judges.

Across the 28-strong Saloon and Tourer range, the Mazda6 features improved standard equipment and refreshed styling. Upgraded cabin design and enhanced refinement ensure it continues to be a popular choice for business and private buyers, while flagship Sport Nav models are now distinguished by new exterior features including a re-styled grille with a signature wing design that incorporates LED headlights.

The entire Mazda range now features Mazda’s award-winning SKYACTIV technology and eye-catching KODO: Soul of Motion design.  The all-new Mazda MX-5, all-new Mazda CX-3 and revised Mazda CX-5 star alongside the Northern Ireland Car of the Year award-winning all-new Mazda2 and Mazda6 in Mazda’s five Ulster dealerships. 

All-new Mazda2 105ps Sport Nav Diesel averages over 100mpg in real-world economy test.

• All-new Mazda2 105ps Sport Nav Diesel averages over 100mpg in real-world economy test.
• Mazda’s new-generation diesel features ultra-low compression ratio and i-stop.
• Leading Mazda recorded 103.42MPG over 400 miles of real-world driving.
• Representing a 24.45 per cent improvement over official combined economy.
• Offered in SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav trim levels, the all-new Mazda2 diesel costs from £15,995 on-the-road.

Proving the real-world economy benefits of its award-winning SKYACTIV technology, Mazda has achieved strong results in the recently held MPG Marathon. 

Taking part in the annual economy driving event, which challenges competitors to find and drive the most efficient route between set checkpoints, both the all-new Mazda2 diesels entered finished in the top four, with the leading Mazda supermini recording an average economy of 103.42mpg - an impressive 24.45 per cent better than the official claimed combined economy.

Powered by Mazda’s lightweight 105ps SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, the highest placed all-new Mazda2, driven by journalists John Kerswill and Ian McKean, finished second overall – just 1.08mpg behind the overall winner. Recorded over a distance of 400 miles, the 103.42mpg average is a strong example of how with considered economic driving it’s possible to match or possibly improve manufacturers laboratory recorded fuel consumption figures.

Designed to showcase economy in real-world conditions, MPG Marathon rules stipulate that teams must arrive at checkpoints within pre-determined times to prevent cars being driven unrealistically slowly. 

With checkpoint locations placed to make using the motorway network less beneficial, the mixed road conditions and types used, increase the real-world motoring element of the event.

Equipped with Mazda’s i-stop system, which delivers the world’s fastest restarts on a diesel engine, the all-new 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D embodies Mazda’s clean-sheet approach to combustion engines. 

The 1,499cc common-rail diesel engine features a lightweight all-alloy construction and an ultra-low 14.8:1 compression ratio – one of the lowest of any current production turbo diesel engine. 

By radically optimising the engine’s compression ratio to achieve superior air-fuel mixture levels and more uniform combustion, the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D has a higher expansion ratio for improved economy.

At the same time sophisticated variable geometry for immediate throttle response, coupled to low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation systems and a water-cooled intercooler integrated into the lightweight intake manifold, ensure Mazda’s latest generation 1.5-litre diesel engine impresses with its combination of exceptional economy, refinement and flexibility.

In addition, the all-new Mazda2 benefits from the all-encompassing approach of Mazda’s convention-defying SKYACTIV technology and its focus on weight saving, which achieves maximum economy, not just from engines, but from chassis, body and transmissions. This allows Mazda to boost economy at the same time as enhancing handling and performance.

Podium finishing MPG Marathon driver and journalist John Kerswill, commented “we covered 400 miles in two days, concentrating hard all the time, but the Mazda2 made it easy. It’s comfortable, quiet, handles really well and has an exceptionally smooth and willing engine that shows just how good a modern diesel can be.”  

Adding, “as soon as I drove the Mazda2 I could tell it was capable of exception economy. To get over 100mpg on ordinary roads, while beating the official combined consumption by 24.45 per cent shows this is a car that’s more than capable of doing on the road what others can only do in the lab.”

Full MPG Marathon results can be found at www.thempgmarathon.co.uk and to further highlight the real-world economy benefits of Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology, the all-new Mazda MX-5 2.0 SE-L Nav recently achieved 41.0mpg in What Car? Magazine’s True MPG testing. With an official combined consumption of 40.9mpg this makes Mazda’s sports car one of only a handful of cars to match or better its official consumption figure

The Worlds best selling Two Seater has exceeded sales in the UK with 1000 advanced orders.

• The all-new Mazda MX-5 on sale and in dealerships from the 29^th August.
• Latest version of the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car is proving a hit with UK buyers. 
• Over 1,000 cars pre-sold ahead of this weekend’s official on-sale date.
• Nine model range priced from £18,495 to £23,295 on-the-road (OTR).
• Five level grade structure – SE, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav.
• Two SKYACTIV-G petrol engines - 1.5-litre 131ps and 2.0-litre 160ps.

Mazda’s iconic roadster is once again proving its popularity with British sports car drivers. Ahead of its official on-sale date of the 29^th August, advanced orders of the all-new Mazda MX-5 have passed the one thousand mark, with UK buyers spending more than £20 million as they rush to get hold of the fourth-generation of the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car.

With prices starting from £18,495 (OTR), the all-new Mazda MX-5 is set to reaffirm Mazda’s dominance of the affordable sports car sector. Maintaining the driver-focused ethos it’s famed for, the latest MX-5 was conceived and developed under the concept of “innovate in order to preserve.” 

This engineering philosophy has allowed Mazda to maintain the agility, fun and engagement that has always defined the MX-5 while at the same time meeting ever-increasing safety and efficiency requirements, alongside improved refinement. 

“The MX-5 is our brand icon and its fun to drive character has strengthened the bond between Mazda and its customers for 25 years”, commented Jeremy Thomson, Mazda Motors UK Managing Director. 

“So we’re delighted with the reaction to the new car, it’s won praise and awards from the press, and most importantly it’s resonating with our customers who have been placing orders well-ahead of its arrival in dealerships. 

With demonstrators arriving in showrooms this weekend, I’m sure we’re going to see even more demand, as customers get to drive the car and experience it first-hand.”

Since its UK launch in 1990, the Mazda MX-5 has maintained its unrivalled position as the spiritual successor to the traditional British sports car. 

Across the first three generations, 116,517 MX-5s have been sold in the UK and with exceptionally strong early orders, the all-new fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 is set to build on that sales success.

“With heavy demand for our latest sports car there’s no time to waste when it comes to getting behind the wheel of the all-new Mazda MX-5, and this weekend will see the car make its debut across our dealer network.”, commented Peter Allibon, Sales Director of Mazda Motors UK.  

Featuring Mazda’s award-winning SKYACTIV technology, the all-new MX-5’s 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre ultra-efficient lightweight petrol engines deliver new levels of performance and economy, and with the 1.5-litre engine currently accounting for 54 per cent of pre-order sales, both engines are proving to be popular with UK buyers.  

With a superior power to weight ratio, rear-wheel drive, perfect 50:50 weight distribution and more comfort and technology than ever before, the all-new Mazda MX-5 comes with generous standard equipment. From SE-L models onwards it features climate control air-conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth^®and cruise control, plus Mazda’s MZD-Connect connectivity and infotainment system with 7-inch Colour touch-screen display and Multimedia Commander. 

SE-L models with the 2.0-litre 160ps engine are distinguished by 17-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels and piano black door mirrors, and benefit from a strut brace and limited slip differential.

Step up to Sport trim and both the 1.5 and 2.0-litre cars feature rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, smart keyless entry, Premium Bose^®sound system and heated leather seats. With the 1.5-litre 131ps engine, Sport trim MX-5’s come with 16-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels and piano black door mirrors. 

Sport models with the 2.0-litre 160ps engine benefit from a dynamic set-up that includes Sports suspension featuring Bilstein dampers, a limited slip differential and strut brace, while visually, they are marked out by their 17-inch Bright alloy wheels and body coloured door mirrors.

Versions of the all-new Mazda MX-5 fitted with Mazda’s integrated navigation system come with three-years of free European map upgrades, while the range topping 2.0-litre 160ps Sport Nav is available with the optional £350 Safety Pack, which includes High Beam Control and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The lightest MX-5 since the iconic original, the all-new Mazda MX-5 is shorter, lower and wider than the outgoing car, with the smallest overhangs and lowest centre of gravity yet. 

These dynamic proportions, combined with Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion design philosophy, ensure that the all-new Mazda MX-5’s styling reflects its focus on driving pleasure in an unmistakably contemporary and dynamic way.

Filled to the brim with the undiluted driving pleasure you’d expect, but matched to never seen before levels of comfort, equipment, refinement and sophistication, the all-new Mazda MX-5 is already winning over UK sports car buyers.

Mazda's new Mazda2 added to the growing list of Motability cars, and at a very tempting price-point too.

• All-new B-segment Mazda2 included in enhanced Motability scheme
• Mazda2 and Mazda3 models available with nil advance payments
• Advanced payment terms on Mazda6 cut by £100

Mazda has given its Motability programme a spring boost with the inclusion of its all-new supermini model in the scheme.  The all-new Mazda2 went on UK sale earlier this year and four models are now included in the Motability programme with the Mazda2 1.5 75ps SE air con manual available with nil advance payments.

Other range models now in the scheme are the: Mazda2 1.5 90ps SE-L Nav, Mazda2 1.5 90ps Sport Nav and Mazda2 1.5 90ps SE-L Auto. On-the-road prices for the Mazda2 start from £11,995.

Other Models in the Mazda Motability Portfolio.

The importance of the Motability programme to Mazda was underlined by the marque exhibiting at the recent two-day ‘Big Event’ in Manchester. It is Motability’s largest event of the year giving those in receipt of allowances the opportunity to view the largest display of vehicles available through the scheme.

Visitors to the event were able to view the all-new Mazda2 as well as the Mazda3 and Mazda6 and to test drive the latter, which has recently been enhanced and now features improved standard equipment levels across the entire model range, enhanced interior and exterior design, plus improved functionality, ride comfort and quietness, and the adoption of several sophisticated new technologies in Mazda's optional Safety Pack.

Mazda will also be exhibiting at Motability’s regional ‘One Big Day’ events at the Peterborough Arena, Cambridgeshire, on Thursday, 6 August and Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on Saturday, 12 September.

Meanwhile, Mazda, which is witnessing a significant sales increase across both the corporate and private sectors with new car sales up more than 18 per cent in 2015 versus an industry-wide increase of 6.4 per cent, has further boosted the appeal of its ever-popular Mazda3 and Mazda6 to Motability scheme participants.

Both models, like the Mazda2, feature the brand’s breakthrough SKYACTIV technology, which delivers fuel-sipping performance and low CO₂ emissions among many other attributes designed to keep running costs to an absolute minimum.

The all-new lower medium sector Mazda3 was launched last year and six models are available in the Motability programme including the 120ps SE Nav manual with nil advance payments. On-the-road prices for the Mazda3 start at £16,995 and other models available are the: Mazda3 120ps SE Nav auto, Mazda3 120ps SE-L Nav manual and auto, Mazda3 120ps Sport Nav auto and Mazda3 150ps SE Nav diesel.

The perennial family favourite Mazda6, available from £19,795, is featured in the Motability programme with a choice of nine models: Mazda6 Saloon 145ps SE Nav, Mazda6 Saloon 145ps SE-L manual and auto, Mazda6 Saloon 145ps SE-L Nav manual and auto, Mazda6 Saloon 150ps SE diesel, Mazda6 Saloon SE Nav diesel, Mazda6 Tourer 145ps SE-L, Mazda6 Tourer 145ps SE-L Nav. The entry-level Mazda6 Saloon 145ps SE Nav is available with an advance payment of just £199, a saving of £100 versus the first three months of 2015.

Finally, the Mazda5 multi-activity vehicle is available on the Motability programme in a choice of 1.6 Sport Venture diesel and 2.0 Sport Venture derivatives with an advanced payment of only £499 for the latter featuring easy slide-door access. On-the-road prices start at £20,495.

Mazda Fleet Marketing Manager Clare Marston said: “As always, our Motability campaign gives every accredited dealer the opportunity to offer Mazda vehicles in all of the core segments for Motability.

“The arrival of the all-new Mazda2 is vital to the continuing success of Mazda’s Motability programme as the B-segment represents a massive 20 per cent of all scheme registrations so every one of our dealers should benefit. There is good availability of the model so our dealers should be able to satisfy demand quickly.”

She added: Mazda continues to reap the benefit of offering a comprehensive Motability programme and we are delighted to be able to offer allowance recipients a wide selection of models, many with nil advance payments.

“Overall Mazda’s competitive terms across the range gives our dealer network an aggressive conquest offer which we believe will increase showroom footfall.”